ISSUP Kenya today, 30th September 2019 joined NACADA and other stakeholders in the field of drug demand reduction, as the National Authority launched its 2019-2022 strategic plan. Partnerships and collaborations - the way to go.
NACADA/GCCC/ISSUP meeting on 14th October 2019 at NACADA offices. To explore efforts at professionalizing the workforce in Kenya through training, credentialing and professional networking.
From L to R. Ms Susan Maua (Prevention-Nacada), Dr Richard Gakunju (Chair GCCC), Mr Victor Okioma (CEO-Nacada), Ms Becky Vaughn (Director-GCCC), Mr Evans Oloo (President, ISSUP Kenya), Rev Gachoka Wangai (Treatment-Nacada)
On behalf of ISSUP Kenya, I presented our memorandum to the Mental Health Task Force of the Ministry of Health. The task force, which was set up following a cabinet directive chaired by the President of the Republic of Kenya, seeks to gather public views on challenges and solutions about the state of mental health in the country. As a professional body we advocated for substance use disorders to be treated as a mental health issue and not just a security or moral issue.
The Executive Committee of ISSUP Kenya met at the beginning of the year to review the successes and challenges of the previous year and at the same time plan the activities for 2020.
In October 2019, ISSUP Kenya and the Presbyterian Church of East Africa commenced training on UTC for its staff involved with management of persons with substance use disorders. It was a milestone for both ISSUP Kenya and the faith based institution. The series of UTC trainings will continue until mid 2020.